Student mental health and well-being is paramount to the mission of the University of Iowa. Faculty and staff have the power to impact students’ lives and bring positivity on days that may be a chaotic mess.

Navigating the delicate terrain of supporting grieving colleagues with skill allows them to do the work of grief, incorporating a fresh loss into their life story. As we incorporate compassion, empathy, and cultural sensitivity into our workplace, it becomes fertile ground for growth, professionally and personally.

Our lives are busy and our calendars are full. Making time to connect and listen requires an intentional approach. This can help you find yourself in a much more positive frame of mind when you appreciate the people you see throughout the day.

Each story of adversity underscores the importance of empathic listening. The resiliency that surfaces when people feel seen and heard before moving toward problem-solving is awe-inspiring. While very simple, it can be so profound to listen, seek to understand, and then work with a person to find a solution that works for them.

It's important to step off the "wheel" and be present in the moment.